KurzfassungA review of the historical development of legal regulations for occupational disease
prevention in Germany identifies so called "phases". The phases can be differentiated by the scientific methodology employed and the objectives. From the point of view of scientific methodology, the first phase is characterised by the transformation of negative experiences occurring due to work. In the next phase scientific findings are transformed into laws, this results in the formation of rules for certain groups of individuals. Most recently, economical modelling is taken into account. From the point of view of objectives, the first phase limits the abuse of human resources, followed by the introduction of general rules for health care and the limitation of working hours. Later, particular types of work were restricted and the organisational conditions for work protection improved. The next phase is the "humanisation of work". Currently there is the possibility of another phase emerging, characterised by the weakening of occupational prevention standards. The work protection and prevention system in Germany has achieved a high level of safety but it is reaching its limits. The introduction and implementation of occupational health and safety management systems will help to overcome these limitations. Such systems should be integrated into other management systems for quality and environmental protection.